Designs (was Re: OT: how big would it be?)

From: daniel <daniel_at_internet.look.ca>
Date: Wed Oct 20 13:51:46 1999

-----Original Message-----
From: CLASSICCMP_at_trailing-edge.com <CLASSICCMP_at_trailing-edge.com>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 1999 2:14 PM
Subject: RE: Designs (was Re: OT: how big would it be?)


>>Ok, so who would be interested in creating a repository of "generic" gate
>>designs?
>>
>>Are the flip chip cards copyrighted? (Somehow I doubt Compaq would come
>>after us if we started building them :-)
>
>The PC artwork might be copyrighted, but the protection on the circuit
>design would be a patent. And the patents have (in the case of
>the "classic" technology being discussed) almost certainly expired
>by now.
>
>>Are they the correct technology? I like 'em because you can get to parts
of
>>the circuit easily, but it is more compact to put everything on just a few
>>boards.
>>
>>Have we ruled out using SMT technology? We could easily build a 16 bit
>>register on a single flip chip sized card with SMT stuff.
>
>I, personally, don't think that surface mount is the way to go. I'd prefer
>to see all the transistors in TO-3 cans, though of course real transistors
>on flip chips often were TO-92's, and these offer a definite cost and
>density advantage (as does SMT, but I think that's a bit too far!)


The flip chips (R205 - Dual Flip Flop) used 61 diodes, 4 transistors, 24
resistors, and 8 capacitors. Most of the Flip Chips I have are pre '67 so
they have the "round" transistors rather than the newer looking TO-92.I
would not even want to build ONE of these!

BTW: The modules were "Copryright 1964 DEC" so the patent is long gone.

If anyone has a particular OLDER processor that would be interesting if
converted to transistors then please email me (with any links to the CPU
info if you have it). I do have quite a few analog flip chips so the
processor *could* do something interesting.

A SMT unit *might* be interesting... I can get all the PCBs done I want for
free (must have some kind of standard blocks) but the SMT building might be
difficult. Can the new pick and place machines handle TO-3s [not on tape]? I
am sure I can find a surplus lot of a few thousand NPN/PNPs for pennies.

If something can be put together here *collectively* (a LOT less parts than
the usual Flip Chip board) I would be willing to buy some time on a Pick and
Place around here and have it knocked out.




john







>
>Tim.
>
Received on Wed Oct 20 1999 - 13:51:46 BST